Victorian Grace Tea Room Offers Elegant Setting For Mother’s Day

By Nicole Heubusch

The Victorian Grace Tea Room is a beautifully decorated building located at 616 N. Parsons Ave. in Brandon. Having never been to a tea room before, I wasn’t completely sure what would be in store for me when I went with the Osprey Observer team to celebrate one of our own moving out of the country. After living in Brandon almost all my life, I had no idea that this hidden gem was here in town. They have been open for eight years and continue to thrive, while other tea rooms have come and gone. “We have loyal customers, and our food is made daily so it is always fresh. Our scones are the best in town,” said part owner Loraine Paul. We didn’t disagree with her, the scones were fantastic. There are four different dining options; the Afternoon Tea, the Duchess Tea, the Princess Tea and the Cream Tea. We had the Duchess Tea, which included the Soup of the Day (our choices were tomato basil or creamy chicken and rice), finger sandwiches (we enjoyed strawberry and cucumber) and a scone with Devonshire Cream. The scone was freshly baked with cinnamon and white chocolate chips, completely made from scratch that day. The meal was also served with the tea of the day; we sipped on both “Paris” and “English Breakfast” teas. Both are sold in the gift shop. There is an alternative menu as well for both tea and food. Guests first walk in to see the gift shop, fully stocked with different tea flavors, kettles and all kinds of knick knacks to decorate your home with. There are several private, themed rooms including the Gone with the Wind Room, Rose Room, Garden Room and Lavender Room.

Victorian Grace is a perfect setting for any event including Mother’s Day, which is Sunday, May 11. The Tea Room will be offering a Mother’s Day Tea on both Saturday and Sunday of Mother’s Day weekend $25 for adults and $18 for children. They are usually booked up a few weeks in advanced, so early reservations are recommended by calling 653-2662. Walk-ins are welcome based on availability. It is open Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. with afternoon tea served from 11 a.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. with afternoon tea at 11 a.m. and 1:30 pm. Take-out is also available.